The Ultimate Guide to Stocking Stuffers for Drummers

When it comes to finding gifts for musicians, drummers are among the easiest—and hardest—people to shop for. Sure, you could hand them a new snare drum or a set of high-end cymbals… but that’s probably not happening on a stocking-stuffer budget.

Thankfully, drummers rely on a ton of small accessories that make their playing better, their gear last longer, and their practice time more productive. That means you have plenty of thoughtful, practical, inexpensive options that will make any drummer grin on Christmas morning.

To help you find the perfect small gifts, here is the ultimate stocking stuffer guide—packed with items every drummer can use, from essentials and upgrades to fun extras they didn’t even know they wanted.

1. Ear Plugs: Protect Their Hearing for the Long Haul

Ask any professional drummer what their biggest regret is, and many will say the same thing: not using ear protection early enough. Drummers are exposed to decibel levels high enough to cause permanent damage, even during short practice sessions.

That makes ear plugs one of the most valuable stocking stuffers you can give.

Why drummers love them:

• Reduces volume without reducing clarity

• Helps prevent tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

• Great for gigs, rehearsals, lessons, and studio work

• Affordable enough that you can give multiple pairs

There are inexpensive foam versions, reusable flanged versions, and nicely balanced musician-grade ones like Earasers or Etymotic. Truly, no drummer can have too many.

2. Drum Keys: The Must-Have Tool Every Drummer Loses

A drum key is like the drummer’s version of the guitarist’s pick: it’s essential… and it somehow vanishes constantly.

What it’s used for:

• Tuning drums

• Adjusting hardware

• Tightening pedals and clamps

• Quick fixes during gigs

Drum keys come in many varieties: standard steel, high-torque, magnetic, ratcheting, and even wearable keys that clip onto keychains.

If you’re looking for a tiny-but-perfect stocking stuffer, this is it.

3. Drum Multi-Tools: A Mini Toolbox in Their Pocket

From loose wingnuts to pedal adjustments, drummers deal with constant hardware tweaking. A drum multi-tool packs several tools into one handy device.

Common features include:

• Multiple drum key heads

• Screwdriver bits

• Hex keys

• Bottle opener (yep—because drummers)

It’s the kind of accessory they won’t think about until they desperately need it… and then they’ll thank you forever.

4. Stick Toppers: Make Any Stick Feel Like a Mallet or Rod

Stick toppers are one of the coolest, most underrated drummer accessories. They slide onto drumsticks to transform them into:

• Soft mallets

• Brush-like textures

• Rod-style beaters

This lets drummers switch sounds instantly without carrying tons of sticks. Perfect for creative players, percussionists, or anyone who likes to experiment with sound.

5. Drumsticks: The Gift Every Drummer Needs Constantly

Every drummer—beginner or pro—blows through sticks. They chip, crack, break, warp, and get lost. Fresh sticks are always a welcome surprise.

Types to consider:

• 5A (most versatile and popular)

• 5B or 2B (thicker)

• 7A (lighter)

• Nylon tip (brighter sound)

• Specialty sticks (rods, brushes, mallets)

Bonus idea: get them a pair engraved with their name or band logo.

6. Drum Muting Tools: Practice Quietly Anytime

A silently practicing drummer is the greatest gift you can give their family (and neighbors).

Muting options include:

• Rubber pad mutes for drums

• Clip-on cymbal mutes

• Mesh heads

• Sound-off practice rings

• Gel dampeners

These tools cut volume dramatically without sacrificing feel, letting drummers practice anytime without waking the neighborhood.

7. Practice Tips: Convert Any Stick into a Quiet Practice Tool

Practice tips are silicone or rubber sleeves that slip over drumsticks, allowing drummers to turn countertops, desks, and even knees into a quiet practice surface.

Perfect for:

• Students

• Drummers on tour

• People who want to practice at work (don’t tell their boss)

They’re cheap, fun, and incredibly useful.

8. Stick Wax or Grip Tape: For Hands That Sweat (or Sticks That Slip)

Drummers use a lot of energy, and hands get sweaty fast. Stick wax improves grip without making sticks sticky. Grip tape offers a softer, more athletic feel.

Why it's great:

• Reduces hand fatigue

• Prevents sticks from flying across the room (or at the singer—oops)

• Helps drummers maintain control during fast or loud songs

This is a perfect “small but thoughtful” gift they’ll appreciate every time they pick up their sticks.

9. Drum and Cymbal Cleaner: Keep Their Gear Shining

Dirty cymbals can lose brightness and tone over time. Drum and cymbal cleaners help restore a shiny, brand-new look.

Great gifts include:

• Cymbal polish

• Drum shell cleaner

• Microfiber cloths

Not only does clean gear look great, it lasts longer. It’s a small, practical gift many drummers don’t buy for themselves.

10. Snare Weight: Shape the Perfect Snare Sound

A snare weight—usually made of leather or metal—sits on the drumhead to reduce unwanted overtones and add punch.

Benefits:

• Warmer tone

• Better control

• Ideal for studio recording

• Quick tuning without adjusting lugs

For drummers who obsess over their snare sound (and many do), this is an awesome, unexpected stocking stuffer.

11. Quick Release Clutch: Faster Setup for Gigging Drummers

If your drummer plays shows or sets up/tears down frequently, a quick-release clutch is a game changer.

It lets them:

• Remove the hi-hat top instantly

• Set up faster

• Break down gear in seconds

It’s one of those things drummers didn’t know existed—until they try it and wonder how they lived without it.

12. Keychain Practice Pad: Practice Anywhere, Anytime

Small, portable, and totally fun, a keychain practice pad is a quirky little gadget that drummers love.

They can practice:

• Rudiments

• Warm-ups

• Stick control

• Timing

…while waiting in line, at school, at work, or between soundcheck and the show.

It’s a cute novelty and a real practice tool.

13. Metronome: A Drummer’s Secret Weapon

Every drummer needs a metronome—not just for practice, but for recording, live shows, and developing solid, reliable timing.

Great options include:

• Clip-on metronomes

• Pocket digital metronomes

• Phone-sized beat devices

• Tap tempo options

This is an essential gift for beginners, students, and pros alike.

14. Drum Dial: For Drummers Who Want Perfect Tuning

Drum tuning can be frustrating, especially for newer players.

A Drum Dial measures drumhead tension in real time, ensuring perfectly even tuning around the head.

It’s a more premium stocking stuffer, but still small enough to wrap up creatively.

Perfect for:

• Studio drummers

• Perfectionists

• Anyone who hates tuning (which is nearly everyone)

15. Kick Drum Beater: Change the Feel and Tone Instantly

Most drummers use the same worn-out beater they’ve had for years. Replacing it can dramatically change punch, warmth, and speed.

Types include:

• Felt (classic)

• Wood (aggressive attack)

• Plastic (bright and punchy)

• Dual-sided beaters

This is a thoughtful gift that improves both sound and performance feel.

16. Cowbell: Because Every Musician Needs “More Cowbell”

It’s practical and hilarious as a gift. (Thanks, SNL.)

A cowbell is perfect for:

• Rock

• Funk

• Latin music

• Pep band

• Drumlines

It’s a fun stocking stuffer that adds new sounds to their kit. Pair it with a cowbell mount for a complete mini-gift set.

17. Shakers: Small, Fun, and Surprisingly Useful

Shakers are tiny percussion instruments that pack a lot of creative potential.

Drummers can use them:

• On acoustic gigs

• In worship settings

• In recording sessions

• For songwriting

• During stripped-back sets

They come in dozens of shapes and sizes, making them a great low-cost gift.

18. Gift Cards: The Perfect Stocking Stuffer for Picky Drummers

Let’s be honest—some drummers are particular. They know exactly which sticks they like, which heads they use, which materials they prefer, and which brands they trust.

In that case: a gift card saves the day.

Best places for drummer gift cards:

• Local music shops like Sims Music

• Lessons or practice studios, like Freeway Music! :)

Add a small percussion accessory in the stocking alongside it to make it feel more personal.

How to Build the Perfect Drummer Stocking

If you want to create a well-rounded stocking, here’s a fun formula:

1 practical item(Ear plugs, drum keys, metronome)

1 fun item(Cowbell, shakers, stick toppers)

1 “upgrade” item(Snare weight, Drum Dial, quick-release clutch)

1 personal item(Custom sticks, engraved drum key, gift card)

This makes the stocking feel balanced, thoughtful, and packed with variety.

Final Thoughts: Small Gifts That Make a Big Difference

Stocking stuffers don’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. Drummers rely on dozens of small accessories, so even a single tool can make their practice smoother, their sound better, and their music life easier.

Whether you're filling a stocking for a beginner drummer, a gigging musician, a student, or a seasoned studio pro, the items above are guaranteed hits.

And hey—if all else fails?

Just remember :Every drummer needs more ear plugs, more sticks, and more cowbell.